March Member of the Month: Tony Frazier

VPPPA: What is/was your position and how long have you been in the position?

Tony Frazier: My position is Director Safety for RDC Facilities. I have been in this position for 13 years. I have responsibility for 4 facilities in Virginia, Florida, Nevada, and Wisconsin.

VPPPA: Do you take safety home with you? If so, how?

TF: As a safety leader, I feel that one of my main responsibilities is to lead by example and that means that safety is just not a "work thing" it is a lifestyle thing. I make an effort in setting the example for safety at work, driving, and at home with my family and especially my grandchildren.

VPPPA: What has been the greatest challenge in your career?

TF: Trying to lead all the horses to the safety kool-aid trough but understanding that perfection in most cases are unobtainable with the human behavior "complacency" as your enemy. With safety kool-aid, stay thirsty my friends!

VPPPA: What is your most recent accomplishment?

TF: Last major accomplishment would be obtaining VPP Star in 2016. That particular event was by far my most proud moment professionally.

VPPPA: What has been your favorite aspect of being a part of the Association?

TF: An unlimited amount of resources from people that are eager to help.

VPPPA: What advice would you give to "past you?"

TF: Stay the course, set the example every day, and help others in your capacity as often as you can.

VPPPA: What makes you passionate about the VPPPA?

TF: Since being associated with the VPPPA I have never been around a group of people that were so passionate about worker safety. That passion is very contagious. Attending conferences to network and increase knowledge, especially recent or upcoming changes, is an outstanding advantage.

VPPPA: What advice would you give to someone interested in the VPP or the VPPPA?

TF: For VPPPA, jump in and get involved. You will be working with remarkable people. For VPP - you can do it. Get started, network with others that have. Keep moving forward. Help someone else do the same.

News

OSHA is requesting information on potential rulemaking to update the standards for powered industrial trucks used in the general, construction, and maritime industries. OSHA is requesting information on: the types, age, and usage of powered industrial trucks; maintenance and retrofitting; how to regulate older powered industrial trucks; types of accidents and injuries associated with operating these machines; costs and benefits of retrofitting the machines with safety features; and other components of a safety program.

Welcome to our Member of the Month program! Have you, or a colleague, gone above and beyond at work? Nominate them to be a VPPPA Member of the Month. Email membership@vpppa.org to get more information or to submit someone's name for consideration.

A free report from the National Safety Council (NSC) reviews how employers can increase productivity and safety by reducing workplace fatigue. A single employee with sleep problems can cost an employer thousands of dollars in lost productivity, absenteeism, and more. With 97 percent of employees reporting at least one risk factor for fatigue, most employers are impacted by this issue. The NSC report discusses the effects of fatigue on the workplace and gives employers specific, actionable guidance on implementing a fatigue risk management system.